Nakumatt’s empty shelves a calamity to football club

Nakumatt FC players David Gateri and Peter Nzuki blocks a free-kick during their SportPesa Premier League match at the Ruaraka grounds on October 18, 2017. Tusker FC won 1-0. Photo/Stafford Ondego/Sportpicha.

Kenyan Premier League side Nakumatt FC head coach Anthony Mwangi has appealed to potential sponsors to come on board and help the club following the financial crunch facing sponsors, retail outlet, Nakumatt Limited.

Nakumatt who sit on position 12 on the log on 35 points with five fixtures to go have endured horrid campaign, operating on a shoe-string budges as finances prove hard to come by.

The team is sponsored by the ex-giant retail shop, Nakumatt Limited,which is on its knees owing to a financial meltdown.

The top flight comes to an end in under six weeks and club officials are now pleading with potential sponsors to come to the team’s rescue.

According to the coach, the financial woes have hit the team badly with players allegedly owed salary arrears stretching to three months.

Nakumatt FC players celebrate a goal against Palos FC during their National Super League (NSL) match at the Nyayo national stadium on September 04, 2016. Nakumatt FC won 3-2. Photo/ Maina Wambugu/sportpicha.

“Life has become so difficult for the management of the club due to the situation of our sponsors.For three or so months my players have not received allowances but we have accepted the situation because we know its not our sponsors fault,” Mwangi told Citizen Digital.

Apart from the financial difficulties, Nakumatt have also had to contend with off-pitch problems in court cases.

Together with Zoo Kericho,they await next month’s Appellate Court ruling on their long term future in the KPL.

In September, the High Court kicked them out of the top-tier only for the higher court to offer them a temporary reprieve.

Mwangi is however optimistic the ruling will favour them and confirm their place in the top division.

“It has been a tough time for us because the players have obviously been affected,” said Mwangi.

Part of the action between Palos FC and Nakumatt FC players during their National Super League (NSL) match at the Nyayo national stadium on September 04, 2016. Nakumatt FC won 3-2. Photo/ Maina Wambugu/sportpicha.com

He is however bullish that they will finish in a better position by the end of the season.

On Sunday, the ailing Nakumatt face struggling Bandari at Ruaraka and Mwangi has vowed to win the tie.